The department's Vice and Narcotics Unit conducted the sting, using an undercover detective posing as a "John," Deputy Chief Brian Foley said. The operation was in response to citizen complaints about street level prostitution.

All of the women were from Hartford, police said. Charged with prostitution was Gianna Rames, 28; Tina Pratt, 27; Lissette Leon, 49 and Patricia Nelson, 31.